Chapter 24
Laney
“This is incredible,” I murmured when we entered the ballroom, taking it all in. The high ceiling with sophisticated golden lighting devices was just exquisite, as were the small opera-style balconies full of tables. A dozen more tables were spread around the room, circling the dance floor.
“Thanks,” Cole said.
I’d only ever seen these types of events in movies or a TV series. Despite its grandeur and elegance, the room wasn’t intimidating at all. I felt welcome.
Tess waved at us from the family table next to the stage. She was alone for now. We headed toward them but stopped a few times on the way for Cole to greet guests and introduce me. I loved being on his arm and getting to know his world a little better, being part of it.
“How did you come up with the idea for these events? They’re so grand. You even have car service and valets, and your family is so down-to-earth. At least, from what I’ve seen.”
“Hunter and I rub elbows with a lot of the guests in our business, so we’ve learned what makes them tick. Or in this case, part with their money for charity. We start by donating a huge amount, and then they follow suit.”
“That’s smart,” I said as we reached the Winchester table.
“You look gorgeous, Laney,” Tess exclaimed.
I motioned for her to rise from the table. “I want to see your dress properly.”
She stood, twirling once, and I nodded appreciatively. Tess was absolutely radiant in a bright red gown with a heart-shaped cut. She seemed to have more blonde strands than before. Her hair was styled in elegant waves.
“You’re stunning,” I said.
“What did you do to your hair? I love it.”
“A blowout with a brush.”
“You’re real good at it. I look like an electrocuted cat whenever I try that.”
“It’s a simple tutorial on YouTube. I’ll send you the link.”
“Thanks.”
Thankfully, I’d been blessed with naturally thick, shiny hair that somehow resisted the daily abuse of being tied up and sometimes covered in a plastic cap.
For tonight, I’d used one of those huge round brushes to straighten it and give it volume at the same time.
I loved tutorials in all forms. I could of course have gone to a hairdresser, but it was faster to just do it myself.
After Cole and I sat down, Josie and Hunter joined us.
Ryker and his wife, Heather, and daughter, Avery, arrived soon after.
“Heather, I know we just met, but you need to tell me where you got your dress,” I exclaimed. It was dark blue, princess style with a silver thread at the waist.
“Thanks. I’ll show you their website later in the evening. That energetic kid who just ran to the children’s corner is Avery.”
“Nice to meet her too.”
“Let’s all sit,” Ryker said.
A while later, Isabelle, Ian, and Dylan joined us. The guys each hugged me, and Dylan whispered in my ear, “Thanks for looking out for Isabelle.”
I squeezed his shoulder lightly, smiling when I pulled back.
“Okay, everyone. Since we’re all here, let’s go through the plan tonight.” Tess touched the iPad in front of her, lighting up the screen. “So, I’m going to participate in the raffle. Who else is up for it?”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“If one participates in the raffle, each of their dances is being bid on,” Cole explained. “Typically all of us from the family participate.”
Wait a second… Did this mean Cole was going to be dancing with other women the whole evening? Hell, no. I pressed my lips together, looking around the table. Okay. I didn’t want to be selfish, especially since this was for a good cause, but still… Hell, no.
I was debating the best way to bring this up when Hunter burst out laughing.
“Your girl here is being territorial,” he exclaimed. Peering sideways, I realized Cole had been watching me. The tips of my ears felt hot, then my cheeks too. Damn, I probably looked like a tomato.
Ryker grinned. “Welcome to the club, Laney. Don’t worry, one of the signs in this group that someone is serious about their better half is being territorial. Own it. Live it.”
Hunter chuckled. “That’s right. It’s why out of all of us, Tess is the only one who still participates in the raffle. Lucky Isabelle, Ian, and Dylan have agreed to step in for us.”
Isabelle wiggled her eyebrows. “Even brought dancing shoes. I foresee having lots of fun.”
Ian and Dylan exchanged a glance.
“Was more fun when we had more competition, though,” Ian said, looking at his brother. “Now we know we’re going to rake in the most tickets.”
“You can still compete among yourselves,” I pointed out.
Dylan nodded. “True. But the more, the merrier.”
I laughed but leaned sideways into Cole, following Ryker’s advice. Yup, I was territorial, and not one bit afraid to own up to it. Cole chuckled, sliding an arm around my waist.
“I’m only dancing with you tonight, Laney. I was going to tell Tess to take me out of the raffle and to not even think about asking you to participate.”
Tess gave Cole thumbs-up. “Damn, Hunter. You’re right. Being territorial over dances is a thing. I feel like it’s almost a rite of passage. Transforming from self-proclaimed bachelor to… hmm, I don’t know the right word.”
“Hey,” Dylan protested. “Don’t mock us bachelors.”
Tess clutched at her chest, mouth open in mock shock. “I wouldn’t dream of it. And wait a second. Since when are you a bachelor?”
“Since my girlfriend decided she didn’t want me anymore.”
Oh, man. Poor guy.
“I’m so sorry,” Tess said. “But, welcome to the bachelor group. We lose one, we win one.” She winked at Cole. “Never thought I’d say this, but I do detect some husband material in you.”
Everyone at the table chuckled. An icy shiver slithered down my back.
My hands clenched at each other in my lap.
My throat wasn’t working properly. I had to fight for the next breath.
Wincing, I tried to compose myself. I hoped Cole hadn’t noticed my completely inexplicable reaction to a joke.
I chanced a glance at him, and my stomach bottomed out.
He did notice it. Hell, my whole body went rigid, so he probably felt it too.
The playful glint in his eyes had dimmed.
I covered the hand he had on my waist with mine, squeezing it lightly.
Oh, no. I didn’t want him to be hurt by my reaction—not even to feel bad about it.
But I had no idea what to do or say, especially since we were surrounded by his family and guests.
His gaze was hard and intense, as if he wanted to read my thoughts.
I squeezed his hand even more, smiling at him.
I didn’t get a chance to say anything, because the evening’s MC asked everyone to be quiet.
Hunter went up on the stage to give the opening speech.
I was honestly only half listening. I was too lost in my own thoughts, trying to make sense of my reaction.
How was I supposed to explain to Cole something I didn’t even understand myself?
The room erupted in cheers and clapping, snapping me out of my thoughts. Hunter had finished the speech.
“Fair lady, how about a dance?” Cole whispered in my ear.
“My pleasure. I have to warn you though, I’m not much of a dancer.”
“Leave it to me.”
“So cocky,” I teased. He let go of my waist, pulling back a little.
“Always. It’s just my nature.” He wiggled his eyebrows. I grinned, happy that flirty, cocky Cole was back. I was determined to keep him in a good mood, because I didn’t like that worried expression from before one bit.
“Hypothetically, if I told you that I like your cocky side, would that go to your head?”
“Hypothetically? Yes. Realistically? Hell, yes.”
I chuckled as we rose from the table, heading to the dance floor.
“You can tell me what other sides you like.” He spoke directly in my ear in that sexy voice I could never resist.
“Mr. Winchester. You can’t use your bedroom voice in public.”
He blinked several times before chuckling. “My what voice?”
“You know what I mean.” The tips of my ears felt hot again.
“No, I don’t. Please explain.”
“It’s the voice you have when—” One glance at him revealed that he was grinning from ear to ear. I punched his shoulder playfully.
“You were just making fun of me.”
“I like making you blush, Laney. You’re so fucking gorgeous.”
I was blushing even more furiously when he pulled me close and we started dancing. Okay, this wasn’t so bad. As long as I let him lead, I wouldn’t trip over my own feet.
“I’ve never actually wanted a gala to be over, but now I can’t fucking wait for it.”
“Why?”
“To take you home. Make you blush some more, then make you pant and scream my name.”
Holy shit! He’d gone from making me blush to dirty talking in less than a minute.
“I wanted to take this dress off you the second I saw it,” he went on.
“I suspected that by the way you kissed me when I opened the door but didn’t want to assume anything.”
“When in doubt, always assume dirty intentions,” he whispered. I chuckled, pressing my cheek against his as we swayed to the music.
“I’m glad we’re here though, sharing this evening with my family. Thanks for putting up with their banter.”
Here was my opening. I wanted to address the elephant in the room, but I had no idea how or what to say.
“I love their dynamic. Especially how Tess isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind.”
“Ah, that’s true for everyone. Tess just seemed to have more on her mind than the rest of us tonight.”
“I’m so happy we met in Rome. I love you so much,” I said, fiddling with his tie.
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down.
I could tell he was waiting for me to add something more, but I really didn’t know what to say.
He tensed as the dance ended. I moved my palms from his shoulders up to his neck, just feeling his pulse point and his warmth.
I wanted to soak it all up. I kissed his chin and even managed to sneak a kiss on the pulse point on his neck before he pulled back a few inches.
“Easy there, not the neck.”
I narrowed my eyes, fully knowing that this particular place was a sweet spot for him. “This is coming from the guy who spoke dirty to me just a few minutes ago?”
“That was different. We were still dancing. Now I have to mingle. I can’t walk around with a hard-on, Laney.”
I pouted, secretly bursting with pride that I affected him so much. “So that means no more dancing?”
“I’ll find you later.” He kissed my cheek, sneaking up to my ear again. “Just a few more hours, and then I’ll have you all to myself. Mine to make blush… and other things.”
Taking a step back, I pushed his shoulder playfully, again. He flashed me one of those smiles that made me weak in the knees before taking off. This man, I swear. I had to clear the air between us when we were alone later this evening, but I still didn’t know how.